Naperville is a great town, and a wonderful place to live. But, it’s not exactly a tropical paradise during the colder months of the year, and it’s not unusual for people of all ages to get the “winter blues.”

If you’re the kind of person who tends to feel down when it’s gray and miserable outside, I have a few tips that just might help you enjoy the coming months a little more:

Use sunlight and vitamins – On a biological level, our bodies miss the sun during winter months. There are a number of inexpensive, full spectrum light lamps you can buy (online and in local stores) that help you fight the blues by mimicking sunshine. Just 15 minutes a day can make a big difference in your mood.

Avoid extra sugar and caffeine – It can be tempting to take a little extra comfort in extra coffee and sweets when you’re feeling down. Although these provide a short-term boost, they’re likely to leave you feeling more tired later. Even worse, too much of either is bad for your health. Besides, sugar and caffeine can easily become something you crave, and then require more and more to keep going. Comfort food in moderation is okay, but try to get enough sleep and exercise.

Improve your mood every day – A lot of people feel as though their moods are determined by external factors, but that’s not entirely true. You can increase your own feelings of happiness and gratefulness by reading jokes, connecting with friends, or keeping a journal of positive experiences.

Book that vacation – We are lucky to live close to one of the busiest airports in the world. If you can spare a few dollars and get free for a few days, taking a quick vacation to somewhere sunny might be the perfect way to break out of a funk.

For the best in coaching, counseling, and hypnotherapy, call the office of Dr. Pam Rebeck in Naperville today!